CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and QUALCOMM Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: CVS is classified in Healthcare; QCOM is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCVS vs QCOM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +40.4% (+3.5%/yr)QCOM +266.6% (+13.9%/yr)QCOM compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$140$367
CVS QCOM

CVS vs QCOM: by the numbers

  • QCOM is the larger company ($191.07B vs $120.78B market cap).
  • QCOM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.77 vs 25.04 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • QCOM converts more revenue to profit (21.01% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.32% vs 6.23% CAGR).
  • CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.79% vs 2.05%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCVSQCOM
P/E ratio25.0420.77
Forward P/E11.8317.26
P/S ratio0.294.34
P/B ratio1.526.91
EV / EBITDA14.5017.11
FCF yield9.74%5.45%

Profitability

MetricCVSQCOM
Gross margin14.15%54.23%
Operating margin2.00%23.19%
Net margin1.18%21.01%
ROE6.16%33.48%
ROIC4.14%17.42%

Dividends

MetricCVSQCOM
Dividend yield2.79%2.05%
Payout ratio70.37%41.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSQCOM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.32%6.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%2.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.28%2.09%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.05%6.80%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or QCOM?
QCOM has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.04 and QCOM at 20.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CVS or QCOM?
Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus QCOM at 6.23%.
Does CVS or QCOM pay a bigger dividend?
CVS yields 2.79% and QCOM yields 2.05% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CVS or QCOM more profitable?
QCOM runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus QCOM at 21.01%.
How have CVS and QCOM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.54% and QCOM delivered 14.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.